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2mo ago

Ilia Topuria Poised for Grudge Title Defense After Post-Fight Feud With Paddy Pimblett

Dana White criticized UFC security for letting Pimblett into the Octagon, fueling calls for Topuria’s first title defense against his bitter rival.

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Overview

  • Topuria emphatically knocked out Charles Oliveira in the opening round at UFC 317 to claim the vacant lightweight title and extend his unbeaten record to 17-0.
  • Pimblett stormed into the Octagon immediately after the fight for a heated face-off that ended with Topuria shoving him, prompting White to condemn the security breach.
  • The Liverpudlian contender has vowed to “disfigure” Topuria in a potential matchup, while the new champion has explicitly called out Pimblett for his inaugural defense.
  • Conor McGregor briefly praised Topuria’s three straight knockout wins in a now-deleted social-media post, underscoring the buzz around the rising star.
  • Topuria’s rise to No. 1 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings prompted pushback from Team Khabib and drew support from fighters such as Chael Sonnen and Kamaru Usman.